 |
| Yes, I am against animal testing. And yes, I love PicMonkey. |
Earth Day is approaching, and many of my favorite beauty brands are creating special initiatives to remind us the importance of recycling and becoming eco-conscious consumers. Scroll down for my curated selection of treats, special editions, and recycling programs to celebrate beauty in the upcoming two weeks:
Kiehl’s Rewards its Eco-Conscious Customers
Kiehl’s ongoing program Recycle and Be Rewarded!, is one of my favorite in-store recycling program. Available only in Kiehl’s free-standing stores nationwide, it allows eco-conscious customers to return their empty Kiehl’s bottles, tubes and jars for recycling, in exchange for product.
Kiehl’s retail stores will also be celebrating Earth Day with the following activities:
• Recycle & Be Rewarded!: From April 22 through April 26, at all Kiehl’s retail stores, customers can receive 5 stamps for every 1 Kiehl’s empty returned (normally, it’s 1 stamp per empty), AND customers who bring in an empty skincare jar or bottle from ANY brand will receive a deluxe sample of Kiehl’s skincare.
• Complimentary Lip Balm!: From April 14 through April 27, while supplies last, customers spending $65 or more will receive a complimentary Lip Balm #1.
• 20-Minute Seated Facials & Dehydration Skin Tests: From April 22 through April 26, at all Kiehl’s retail stores, customers can experience a 20-minute pampering facial, and full healthy skin check, including skin analysis with Kiehl’s new Dehydration Analyzer Tool.
Switching to Plant-Based Cosmetics Without Breaking The Bank
Using green cosmetics is another responsible step towards respecting Mother Nature. Good for your body and good for the environment, their formulas deliver amazing results without negatively impacting health with nasty chemicals. In the past ten years, the natural cosmetics industry has, literally, exploded. I still remember the first attempts reaching the Spanish market when I was still a teenager. Those creams were all right for me, because I only needed hydration. But more advanced features, like potent and quick anti-aging properties, were still under development or extremely expensive.
Nowadays, it is possible to find natural and affordable formulas (just take a look at the Whole Foods cosmetics aisle!). Although not all of them are organic (which I strongly recommend after my experience of many years), many of them are at least stripped off nasty chemicals, which makes them a win-win option.
Here are a few brands that won’t break your piggy bank and can be a great introduction to the natural cosmetics world:
Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Collection ($7.99, Duane Reade): An alternative to harsh shampoos and conditioners. The multi-purpose sulfate and paraben-free cleansers are formulated to rebalance natural oils with pure ingredients and leave hair clean and soft. An all-in one formula, it’s a good solution for those who, like me, are allergic to SLS.
Agave Healing Oil Treatment ($40, Sephora.com): Advertised as the only plant-based oil on the market, it is formulated to smooth, restore and transform unmanageable frizzy hair. Unlike traditional nut-based oils, the oil contains extracts from the Blue Agave plant, and the non-greasy, lightweight formula is ideal for all hair types. Amino sugars from the plant are included to hydrate hair and preserve color. Just a few drops are needed in each application.
Oil Essentials ($12.99, Target): A collection of natural beauty oils that can be used on hair, hands, and nails. These oils are free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic colors and are safe for sensitive skin. The collection includes the 6 following combinations: Argan and Wheat Germ; Omega 3,6, 9 and Evening Primrose; Neroli and Avocado; Seabuckthorn Berry and Borage; Sweet Almond and Macadamia; and Lavender and Rose Hip.
Hairiette (12.99 to 15.99, at the brand website shop) is a new soapless haircare line by Tanya Wright, actress of Orange is the New Black and True Blood. Hairiette is made with amazing natural ingredients like Kokum Butter and Marula Oil. Curl Creme for defining, Oil Blend for Moisture. I am particularly intrigued by her co-washing solution, which seems to be ideal for fine, curly manes like mine.
Garden Apothecary Bath Tea ($12 at the brand website shop) is an all-natural, herbal remedy to soak in after a workout in the gym or a particularly hectic day. The natural minerals in the formula, based on a combination of Epsom salts and botanical ingredients, help support the skin and body. They are ideal for an instant and effective boost of hydration and relaxation.
Come Clean Pop Culture Soap for humans and pets ($14 at the brand Etsy Shop) is a handmade glycerin soap bar from New York with all natural, vegan ingredients. It is paraben and sulphate free, and has neutral pH, for both humans and furry friends! The Detox Monkey Soap contains one of the hottest beauty ingredients this summer: Activated Charcoal.
Get the Earth Day Look!
For the conscious fashionistas, the new eco-conscious collection at H&M ($18 to $350) is a must-have. Created as a sustainable clothing line, its collection features elegant pieces that are a sure fit for your business and your party wardrobe. Tailored with organic materials like linen, silk, hemp and cotton, recycled wool and sequins, this collection uses volume, a Japanese inspiration and ruffles so consciously it’s the epitome of effortless-meets-eco-chic.
How do you plan to celebrate Earth Day?
Disclosure level 0: I did not get paid nor sent samples for this article.
Love the selection!